Ski-masked Jackson stopped by police

Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Michael Jackson has been stopped by Colorado police and asked to identify himself after he went shopping while wearing a ski mask.

A Wal-Mart employee called police last week and gave a description of the singer's vehicle and Jackson was stopped a short time later.

Authorities asked him to identify himself, which he did by removing his mask.

"There were no problems, and that was it," Lieutenant Bill Kimminau said.

A spokeswoman for Jackson, Raymone Bain, said the incident was a trifle.

"The police car pulled to the side and just asked that he show his face, and he did, and that was it," Ms Bain said. "There was no altercation or any kind of encounter."

Jackson, who is known to wear disguises in public, is staying at a 22-hectare ranch in Old Snowmass while holidaying with his children. He has been keeping a relatively low profile, but has been spotted at several shops in nearby Aspen.

The entertainer is facing child molestation charges in California.

Jackson's visit was announced in a press release that denied rumours the 45-year-old singer had checked himself into a drug rehabilitation clinic.

"Michael's children indicated to him a few days ago that they'd like to see and play in the snow," Ms Bain said.

"Mr Jackson was enjoying his getaway until . . . someone deliberately and viciously began reaching out to media organisations with this claim."

Jackson issued a statement that said: "I am appalled. Let me state for the record that I have not checked myself into any rehabilitation centre in Aspen, Colorado. I am here for a few days with my children. I am outraged by these constant rumours."